Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week: How Nutrition and Supplementation Support Gut Healing

Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases, affect an estimated 3.1 million adults in the United States. These chronic conditions often begin in early adulthood and can significantly impact quality of life, nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall wellness. During Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week, it is essential for chiropractors and patients to understand not only the musculoskeletal challenges associated with these conditions but also the nutritional strategies that may support gut healing and systemic health.

Although chiropractic care does not treat inflammatory bowel disease directly, many chiropractors see patients who struggle with abdominal tension, chronic systemic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, and stress related to Crohn’s or colitis. Nutrition plays a vital role in symptom management, intestinal repair, and immune regulation. Supporting gut integrity can also indirectly support chiropractic outcomes by reducing inflammatory load and improving nervous system balance.

Understanding Crohn’s and Colitis

Crohn’s Disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus, although it most commonly targets the small intestine. Ulcerative Colitis primarily affects the colon and rectum, causing ulcerations in the inner lining of the large intestine.

Both conditions are characterized by:

• Chronic inflammation

• Abdominal pain and cramping

• Frequent diarrhea

• Nutrient malabsorption

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

• Increased systemic inflammatory markers

Because IBD involves long term inflammation and immune dysregulation, it can influence musculoskeletal health as well. Patients may experience secondary conditions such as:

• Joint pain and arthritis

• Sacroiliac dysfunction

• Muscle tension from chronic inflammation

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies that impair muscle and nerve function

Chiropractors who understand the gut inflammation connection can better support patients’ global health and longevity.

Why Nutrient Deficiencies Are Common in IBD

Crohn’s and colitis severely affect the digestive tract’s ability to break down food and absorb nutrients. In many patients, inflammation damages intestinal villi, reduces digestive enzymes, and alters the gut microbiome.

Common deficiencies include:

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin B12

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Zinc

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Digestive enzymes

These deficiencies can lead to muscle weakness, nerve dysfunction, fatigue, bone loss, and impaired healing, which make it more difficult for patients to maintain spinal alignment and respond optimally to chiropractic adjustments.

Supplements That May Support Patients with Crohn’s and Colitis

While supplements cannot cure inflammatory bowel disease, many play supportive roles in digestion, inflammation regulation, immune function, and tissue repair. Chiropractors can provide valuable guidance by helping patients understand which nutrients are often depleted and how supplementation may help.

Below are some of the most researched and clinically useful supplements for digestive health and inflammation management.

Probiotics: Restoring Microbiome Balance

Probiotics replenish beneficial bacteria that support gut barrier integrity and reduce inflammation. Patients with Crohn’s and colitis often exhibit gut dysbiosis, which contributes to flare ups and poor digestion.

A high quality probiotic with multiple strains supports:

• Short chain fatty acid production

• Immune regulation

• Reduced intestinal permeability

• Improved digestion

Strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are especially helpful for rebuilding gut flora damaged by inflammation or medication use.

Prebiotic Fiber: Feeding Beneficial Bacteria

Prebiotics, such as inulin, help beneficial bacteria thrive. They enhance the effectiveness of probiotic supplements by acting as fuel for gut microbes.

Benefits for IBD include:

• Increased production of butyrate for colon cell health

• Strengthened gut barrier

• Improved motility

• Reduced inflammation

Patients often see better results when probiotics and prebiotics are combined.

Recommended: Super Probiotic + Prebiotic Fiber

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Inflammation Regulation

Omega 3s from fish oil may help regulate systemic inflammation. Many studies show that EPA and DHA influence inflammatory pathways involved in Crohn’s and colitis.

Benefits include:

• Reduced inflammatory cytokines

• Improved joint pain associated with IBD

• Support for brain and nerve health

• Potential improvement in gut barrier function

Omega 3s also support cardiovascular health, which can be impacted by chronic inflammatory conditions.

Recommended: Superior Omega-3

Vitamin D: Immune and Inflammatory Support

Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in IBD due to malabsorption. Low vitamin D levels contribute to:

• Weak immune regulation

• Increased flare-ups

• Poor bone density

• Muscle pain

• Low energy

Supplementation improves immune function and supports bone and musculoskeletal health, critical for chiropractic patients.

Recommended: Vitamins D3 + K2

Magnesium: Muscle Relaxation and Nerve Support

Chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, and inflammation often deplete magnesium levels. Low magnesium contributes to:

• Muscle cramps

• Fatigue

• Poor nerve communication

• Increased stress response

Restoring magnesium helps regulate bowel motility and supports neuromuscular relaxation.

Recommended: Super Potency Magnesium

Zinc: Repairing Tissue and Supporting Immunity

Zinc plays a vital role in tissue healing and immune balance. IBD patients often have low zinc levels due to intestinal damage and malabsorption.

Benefits of zinc include:

• Improved wound and tissue repair

• Enhanced immune response

• Reduced inflammation

• Better digestive enzyme function

Zinc also supports healthy skin and reduces the risk of nutrient-related hair loss common in long-term IBD.

Recommended: Zinmax Zinc Picolinate

Digestive Enzymes: Supporting Absorption

Inflammation in the small intestine can reduce enzyme production, causing patients to experience bloating, pain, and malabsorption.

Supplementing with digestive enzymes supports:

• Better nutrient absorption

• Reduced gas and bloating

• Improved protein digestion

• Less digestive strain on inflamed tissues

Proteolytic enzymes may also help reduce systemic inflammation beyond the gut.

Recommended: Proteo-zyme Proteolytic Enzymes

Berberine: Blood Sugar and Gut Health Support

Berberine has strong evidence for supporting metabolic health, but it also positively affects the gut by modulating the microbiome and supporting healthy inflammatory responses.

Benefits include:

• Improved gut barrier integrity

• Reduced intestinal inflammation

• Regulation of blood sugar

• Balanced microbiome composition

For patients with Crohn’s or colitis who struggle with fatigue or blood sugar swings, berberine can provide additional support.

Recommended: Berberine-500

Cinnamon and Chromium: Balancing Blood Sugar and Reducing Inflammation

Blood sugar instability is common in IBD due to inflammation and disrupted nutrient absorption. Cinnamon and chromium help support insulin function and glucose metabolism.

Benefits include:

• Reduced systemic inflammation

• More stable daily energy levels

• Better nutrient delivery to tissues

• Support for healthy weight management during periods of remission

Cinnamon also contains potent antioxidants that may support overall gastrointestinal health.

Recommended: Berberine with Cinnamon and Chromium

Reframing Gut Health During Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week

Crohn’s and colitis affect far more than digestion. These conditions influence the immune system, musculoskeletal function, energy levels, and stress patterns. Supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics, omega-3s, magnesium, digestive enzymes, and metabolic support nutrients like berberine, cinnamon, and chromium can help bridge nutritional gaps and support the body’s ability to heal.

While supplementation does not replace medical treatment, it plays a meaningful and evidence-based role in promoting gut integrity, immune balance, and quality of life for patients living with inflammatory bowel disease.